Chapelloise

Origins and history

The dance was introduced to France in the 1930s by Alick-Maud Pledge. Its French name comes from the village of Chapelle-des-Bois, where André Dufresne taught it in the 1970s. Participants forgot the original title and named it after the location. While some claim Swedish roots linked to 'Aleman's marsj', the choreography resembles British and American mixer dances more closely. The dance likely derives from the British 'Gay Gordons' or the 'All American Promenade'. In Scandinavia, it is often danced to Swedish tunes like Gärdeby Gånglåt, which may have fueled the confusion about its origin.

How it is kept

Dancers form a large circle with larks on the inside and robins on the outside. The music consists of lively 16-bar jigs. Couples step forward counterclockwise for three beats, then turn and step backward for four. They reverse direction, walking clockwise for three steps, then backward for four. In the second part, couples spring together and apart. The lark rolls away the robin, and they form an arch with joined hands. The robin steps through the arch to the outside of the circle, progressing to a new partner. This sequence repeats for the duration of the song.

Names and regions

In France and the broader European Balfolk scene, the dance is known as Chapelloise. In Belgium and the Netherlands, it is called Jig or Gigue, referencing the music style, or Aapje, an acronym for All American Promenade. Belgian dancers often perform it to 't Smidje' by Laïs. In Poland, a variant called Belgijka is widely popular. Polish dancers frequently perform Belgijka during Studniówka events, and competitions are held to achieve the most participants dancing simultaneously.

How Chapelloise is kept

Couples stand in a circle with larks inside and robins outside. They move counterclockwise, stepping forward and backward in specific patterns. After springing together and apart, the lark rolls the robin. They form an arch with their hands, allowing the robin to step through to the outer ring and find a new partner. This rotation continues until the music ends.

When and where

It is performed at Balfolk social gatherings. The dance takes place during the reception phase of these events, typically accompanying lively 16-bar jig music.

The custom is strongest in France, particularly in the Balfolk community. It is also established in Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, Denmark, and Norway, where it appears under various local names.

What Chapelloise means

The dance emphasizes social connection and equality. The constant rotation ensures that every dancer interacts with multiple partners. The circle formation creates a sense of unity and shared rhythm among the participants.

Who takes part

• Larks: Begin on the inside of the circle and lead the partner through the arch
• Robins: Start on the outside and step through the arch to progress to a new partner
• Musicians: Play lively 16-bar jigs that dictate the pace of the steps

If you are a guest

Guests join the circle as either larks or robins. They follow the leader's steps to rotate partners. No special attire is required beyond comfortable shoes for dancing. Guests participate actively rather than watching.

Then and now

The dance remains a standard part of the Balfolk repertoire. It has adapted to different musical traditions, such as being danced to Flemish folk songs in Belgium. Competitions in Poland highlight its continued popularity and communal appeal.

Questions people ask about Chapelloise

See also

Chicken DanceA novelty polka song and accompanying hand movements performed at weddings and festivals.CsárdásA Hungarian folk dance that begins slowly and ends with a fast spin.Conga lineA long processing line dance that links dancers in single file to a rhythmic drum beat.PolonaiseA stately Polish partner dance in triple metre that opens weddings and formal celebrations.

Good reading and sources

• Chapelloise on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Wedding customs differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-06.